Mailbox Monday - 1st June 2026

MAILBOX MONDAY

On Mondays I will be posting the new books I have received for review, won and purchased over the previous week / month.

 Books for review:

Flynn of the Bin by Josh Fordham

Published by: Independently Published

on 17th March 2026

About the book:

Flynn looks like any other kid - except he lives in a bin. People make assumptions, jokes are made, and noses are held… but not everything is as it seems...!
Funny, warm and full of heart, Flynn of the Bin invites young readers to look a little closer, ask questions, and discover that some of the most amazing stories are hidden where you least expect them.

Spot the Dot by Kris Herbert

Published by EK Books

on 9th June 2026

About the book:

Meet Spot. A dot from what? Poor Spot forgot. Spot the Dot tells the story of a little dot trying to find his place in the world. When he realizes he’s forgotten where he came from, Spot goes on a journey of discovery. Is Spot a lost full stop? Or did he fall from a mushroom top? Along the way, Spot finds there are many wonderful places he might belong. Simple, rhythmic and graphic, Spot the Dot is a universal story of belonging and finding your own path.

Margo the Magpie's Wish by Terri Walls

Published by: Independently Published

on 1st November 2025

About the book:

Margo the magpie wishes she could laugh like a kookaburra or dazzle like a rainbow lorikeet.

But after a gentle chat with wise Daddy Magpie, she begins to see her own special qualities…and

makes one final wish.

The Billywood Chronicles by Caroline Jones

Published by Hawkeye Publishing

on 17th May 2026

About the book:

Some secrets protect you.

This one could kill him.

Billywood is a haven for twelve-year-old introvert, Jack. For his Grandad, it's a place of secrets. And for Eloy, it's the perfect spot to snatch Jack away.

Dragged through the portal into Orbis - a breathtaking but deadly world - Jack learns of The Deaths, a creeping for destroying everything in its path. If Orbis falls, Earth won't be far behind.

Someone has to stop them.

Turns out, that someone is Jack.

Shifters by Nicole Kelly

Published by Hawkeye Publishing

on 5th June 2026

About the book:

When Emily moves to Japan with her father, nothing feels familiar - she doesn't speak the language, she doesn't understand the culture, and she's never felt more alone.

But everything changes in Kyoto, when she meets Koji - a boy with a mysterious connection to the spirit world. As ancient magic stirs and dark forces begin to close in, Emily is drawn into a hidden world of shapeshifters and secrets.

If I Were Prime Minister by Trygve Skaug

Published by Lantana Publishing

on 26th may 2026

About the book:

A young boy gives his perspective on several things the grown-ups running the country could do differently.

How much happier would we be if all the adults went to nursery once a month to remind themselves how to play? How much safer would we be if Christmas lights were left up all year round to light everyone's way home?

This hilarious picture book treats profound topics with sensitivity and care. This is a book for all those children who dare to dream big and for all those adults who want to look on the world with fresh eyes.

#flynnofthebin #shifters #thebillywoodchronicles #margothemagieswish #spotthedot #ifiwasprimeminister #childrenspicturebooks #newrelease #reviewbooks #middlegradereads #australianauthors #bookmail #ausbookbloggers

Review: Belong by Sharon Seymour

This gorgeous picture book with its heartwarming story, spare use of words and exquisite illustrations brought tears to my eyes. 

Belong is a story of finding your place in a world that is new to you.

illustrated by Freya Goldsmith

Publisher: WestWords Ltd

Imprint: WestWords Children's

Publication date: 1st April 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 28

RRP: AU$24.95 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Belong is a story about wanting to belong. Wanting to fit in and blend in with your peers, wishing to be one of the cool group and ultimately accepting that to be yourself is to be unique. 

The story starts with the most gorgeous bird, like a colourful rainbow flamingo, as he  moves from the nest, into the world, he wishes to be like everyone else. He can't fly like the other birds. He's not one of the popular kids. With his long legs and bright colours he doesn't blend in. He has trouble making friends until he comes across a tiny penguin. They become friends and look after each other. With kindness you will find where you fit in.

Okay, I can't read this without tearing up but children won't see the heart-wrenching (it has a happy ending) act of someone trying and failing to fit into a societal norm. What they will see is themselves and how they navigate a new environment, discover the beauty of friendship, and the acceptance of yourself just as you are.

Belong is the heartwarming debut picture book by Sharon Seymour. Superbly illustrated by Freya Goldsmith, she has certainly secured a place in the children's picture book world.

Using animals, in this case birds, to show human emotions is a safe way for children to navigate and understand their own emotions and open avenues for discussion on kindness and friendship.

Belong is the perfect book for your little one as they venture out into the world for the first time whether it be preschool or kindergarten fitting in and making friends can be difficult for some children.

Children love to read books well before they can recognise words and Freya Goldsmith's expressive and whimsical illustrations allow even pre-readers to tell their own story.

My rating 5 / 5 🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩

Recommended age: 3+ years

#belong #childrenspicturebook #kidsbooksonfittingin #australianauthor

Review: Treeshape by Trace Balla

 The shape of a tree, the shape of me - Trace Balla

I loved Trace Balla's Leaf-Light; its feel of tranquility, sense of community and one with nature, and right from the cover of Treeshape I felt that same tranquility and connection to nature.

illustrated by Trace Balla

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication date: 3rd march 2026

Genre: Graphic Novel / Memoir

Pages: 136

RRP: AU$32.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Treeshape is Trace Balla's own story. A personal story from the heart.

"Ever since I was a kid my favourite place has always been up a tree." - Trace Balla

Treeshape is a heartfelt memoir written as a graphic novel. It is a story filled with compassion and a deep appreciation of place.

Trace Balla uses visual storytelling. Trees have always been her go-to safety place. The book is exquisitely illustrated and hugely detailed. It is not a book that would be read in one sitting. The more you return to the story the more you see. 

Treeshape is not only a remarkable memoir it is also a visual delight. Presented with a combination of black & white sketches and real photos as layered images. Photos of the big old trees that matter most to Balla are included, giving the reader real glimpses of our natural world.

Treeshape is a book to ponder over and marvel in the beauty and scope of our natural world as Trace Balla takes her reader along as she travels around Australia. 

Treeshape is a unique masterpiece. certainly not like anything I've seen before.

The story showcases Trace Balla's love for the environment and her deep appreciation of place and connection with First Nation peoples.

My rating 5 / 5 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

Recommended age: 10+ years

#treeshape #traceballa #memoir #graphicnovel #booksonnature 

Review: Maddy's Towers by Inbal Alon

Maddy's Towers by Inbal Alon is a tender and sensitive story about friendship, forgiveness and resilience.

illustrated by Mandira Biswas 

Publisher: Purple Works Press

Publication date: 28th April 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

RRP: AU$21.51 (softcover Amazon)

Source: eCopy from the author

Maddy comes home from school upset, as her friend Mei had betrayed her trust. Mei had told their classmates Maddy's secret and everyone laughed at her.

Inbal Alon uses a block tower as a metaphor for trust. Maddy's mother explains to her that as Maddy and Mei's friendship grows blocks are added to the tower and when Mei told Maddy's secret the tower of trust was knocked down.

The next day at school Maddy approaches Mei with kindness and Mei acknowledges that she shouldn't have told Maddy's secret. Maddy asks Mei to sit with her at lunch. 

I loved how Maddy showed great forgiveness qualities however I do think Mei could have actually said she was sorry. (There is scope for discussion there).

It was now up to Maddy and Mei to start building the tower of trust again, through acts of kindness, building one block at a time.

I liked that Inbal Alon shows that friendships sometimes have rough periods and it is nice to give someone a second chance. The story also opens the opportunity for talk on resilience and thinking how you would feel if everyone was laughing at you.

There is also scope for discussion on empathy and what you can do to speak up if everyone is laughing at someone else.

Mandira Biswas' illustrations are endearing and give off a calming vibe that match the overall theme of friendship building.

Maddy's Towers is a simple story that opens up a wide area of discussion with young children.

The book's end pages have ideas to prompt talk about trust and feelings and a card making activity.

My rating 5 / 5 🧊🧊🧊🧊🧊

Recommended age: 5 - 10 years

#maddystowers #inbalalon #childrenspicturebook #kidsbooksontrust #booksonfriendship #ausbookbloggers #kidsbookswelove #littlesquirrelsbookshelf

Mailbox Monday - 11th May 2026

 

MAILBOX MONDAY

On Mondays I will be posting the new books I have received for review, won and purchased over the previous week / month.

Books for review:

Bella Grows a Bicycle by Lellie Lopter

Published by Five Mile Press

on 1st June 2026

About the book:

Bella wants a bicycle - 

But he birthday is months away!

When dad gives her a tiny seed, he sparks

an adventure that grows bigger every day.

From one small seed to one big dream,

Bella learns that the greatest things start small.

Our Family Zoo by Maura Pierlot

Published by Scholastic 

on 1st June 2026

About the book:

In a home bursting with animals, 

there’s always room for one more. 

 

But who will it be? 

What’s the perfect pet for a home already filled with lots and lots of fun and energetic animals? The biggest and best surprise is just around the corner ...

Belong by Sharon Seymour

Published by Westwords

on 1st April 2026

About the book:

A story about finding friends and fitting in. 

A gentle tale about how to belong.

#bellagrowsabicycle #ourfamilyzoo #belong #aussieauthor #reviewbooks #newrelease #picturebooks #ausbookbloggers #bookmail #2026releases 

Review: The Fast Lane by Pip Harry

Right from the title page of The Fast Lane kids will love the extremely cute Daisy the pig as she is pictured in the middle of an extravagant dive; arms outstretched, goggles on, head up and a big smile on her face.

 illustrated by Katrin Dreiling

Publisher: Larrikin House

Publication date: 28th April 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Daisy loved to swim. Everyday she swam 100 laps. She always swam in the fast lane. This was her lane, until one morning Frank the Frog splashes in front of her. Frank assures Daisy there is plenty of room for both of them but Daisy doesn't want to share the fast lane.

Daisy was all about being the fastest and when Frank started slowing her down by using the fast lane Daisy was angry. Her anger overtook her enjoyment until she got to know Frank better and he showed her how to have fun at the pool too.

Daisy still likes the fast lane but now she also takes time to have fun, join the picnic and play in the splash pool.

The Fast Lane is such an endearing story. Daisy is all business, training everyday, until she finds that it's okay to stop and have some fun.

The Fast Lane is a charming story that is perfect for children that are all go, go, go. It tells overachievers, in a fun way, that it is okay to simply stop and have some fun.

The story is filled with humour and delight. The underlying message is subtle.

Katrin Dreiling's cartoon style illustrations are simply gorgeous; muted colours that bring the pool and outdoor settings to life. Frank's antics through the illustrations alone will have children laughing.

I love how the illustrations tell a story of their own. Very young children like to open a book and tell stories long before they can actually read and this cute book is perfect for those situations.

I think Frank the Frog needs a book all of his own.

The Fast Lane is my first picture book by Pip Harry and I'll be searching out more of her work.

My rating 4.5 / 5 🐖🐖🐖🐖

Recommended age: 3+ years

#thefastlane #pipharry #katrindreilingillustrations #childrenspicturebook #aussieauthor #ausbookbloggers #kidsbookswelove #littlesquirrelsbookshelf

Review: My Spinning Anxious Brain by Dani Vee

I love the cover of My Spinning Anxious Brain. The foiled title text grabs your attention. Then the fireworks, clouds and stars all spinning around, make me dizzy just looking at them. It really is an apt picture of a brain that is trying to process everything.

illustrated by Ruth-Mary Smith

Publisher: Larrikin House

Publication date: 31st March 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

My Spinning Anxious Brain is an endearing story aimed at alleviating the stress of the overthinking child.

Anxious children will resonate with our young narrator as he explains the things that make him anxious and how this makes him feel. The story blends in coping strategies such as talking about how you feel with someone you trust, practicing grounding and being prepared for the day ahead.

Dani Vee champions courage, calmness, finding joy and forward planning to manage anxiety.

My Spinning Anxious Brain is a beautiful story told with compassion and moments of humour. It gives carers the opportunity to open conversations with children to better understand themselves and others.

Beautiful big bold cartoon style illustrations show our young narrator and his family as they help  manage his anxiety. The illustrations are filled with smiles and fun showing children that, if managed well and with help, anxiety need not rule your life.

My Spinning Anxious Brain is a positive story that encourages children to accept and love who they are.

My rating 5 / 5 🎆🚀🌠🎆🚀

Recommended age: 3+ years

#myspinninganxiousbrain #danivee #ruthmarysmithillustrations #childrenspicturebooks #kidsbookswelove #larrikinhouse #australianauthor #ausbookbloggers #littlesquirrelsbookshelf